Relief for radiating leg pain caused by sciatic nerve compression. Dr. Hobbs provides expert diagnosis and a full range of treatments — from conservative care to minimally invasive surgery — to eliminate your sciatica and restore your quality of life.
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest and largest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of each leg. When this nerve is compressed or irritated at its root in the lumbar spine, it causes pain that can radiate from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, sometimes reaching the foot.
Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition that is compressing or irritating a nerve root in the lumbar spine. The most common cause is a herniated disc, but spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease can also cause sciatica.
Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body. The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Some people also experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
Each lumbar nerve root supplies its own strip of skin and its own muscles. Tap the pattern that matches your pain to see what it often means — and what Dr. Hobbs checks for.
Pain that starts in the low back or deep in the buttock is where the nerve roots leave the spine. It accompanies almost every cause of sciatica and does not by itself point to one level.
Pain worse with sitting, coughing, or sneezing suggests a herniated disc. Pain that builds with standing or walking and eases when you sit or lean forward suggests spinal stenosis.
How far the pain travels, which side, what makes it better or worse, and a straight-leg-raise test that stretches the irritated root.
Patterns overlap and vary from person to person. Only an examination and imaging can confirm which nerve is involved — this guide is for education, not self-diagnosis.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapid progressive weakness in both legs. These may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition requiring emergency surgery.
Sciatica is a symptom. Finding relief starts with finding the structure that is pressing on the nerve.
Dr. Hobbs strongly believes that nonsurgical solutions should be explored first. The majority of sciatica cases improve with conservative treatment within 4-6 weeks.
Conservative care: physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, activity modification, and injections if needed. Most patients are improving well within this window.
If pain persists, Dr. Hobbs reassesses with an examination and MRI to confirm exactly which nerve is compressed and why, and adjusts the plan.
When conservative care has failed or weakness is progressing, a minimally invasive decompression frees the nerve — usually under an hour, usually home the same day.
When conservative care fails after 6-12 weeks, or when neurological symptoms worsen, Dr. Hobbs offers minimally invasive surgical options:
ABNS
Residency
M.D.Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, specializing in sciatica and nerve compression.
University of Kentucky medical degree; neurosurgery residency at the University of Chicago, serving as chief resident.
Specialty-trained in minimally invasive techniques; most decompressions are outpatient.
Nonsurgical solutions are always explored before recommending surgery.
StealthStation navigation confirms the exact level and guides a targeted decompression.
Practicing at Northwest Indiana's most preferred orthopedic and spine practice, with offices in Crown Point & Chesterton.
Don't let sciatic nerve pain control your life. Dr. Hobbs can help you find the right treatment to get back to doing what you love.
(219) 250-5010Monday – Friday · 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
500 E. 109th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307
601 Gateway Boulevard
Chesterton, IN 46304
Your next step
Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D. is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. For questions about sciatica treatment, call the office to arrange an individual evaluation and discuss which options may be appropriate.
Consultation offices: Crown Point, Chesterton. Your symptoms, examination, imaging, and prior treatment help guide the discussion.
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